Cinematographer HPGE | Stage 2–3 English and Creative Arts
Program overview
Cinematographer is a one-day Stage 2 and Stage 3 English and Creative Arts HPGE enrichment program where students plan, film and edit persuasive environmental short films. Students analyse how campaign videos combine cinematography, language, sound and editing to influence an audience before developing their own environmental message.
Students use Field of Mars Reserve as a filming location and apply framing, perspective, shot size, camera movement, text, soundtracks and transitions. They review and refine their footage to create a short film that communicates the value of nature to a specific audience. Completed films are shared with participating schools through Google Drive. HPGE domains: creative, intellectual.
Book this Stage 2–3 English and Creative Arts enrichment program
Learning intentions
- We are learning to analyse how camera work, sound, text and persuasive language shape audience response.
- We are learning to plan and capture purposeful footage for a specific audience, purpose and environmental message.
- We are learning to sequence and edit footage using text, sound and transitions to create and refine a persuasive environmental short film.
Jump to: Program and curriculum | Essential information | Plan and prepare | Location | Extend student learning | Related HPGE programs
Program and curriculum information
Program activities
Activities may change to suit student needs, filming conditions, timing and weather conditions.
Campaign analysis and pre-production
Students deconstruct an environmental campaign video to investigate how camera angles, composition, editing, sound and persuasive language shape meaning and influence audience response.
They plan their own short film by identifying its purpose, intended audience, environmental viewpoint, key message and required shots.
Cinematography fieldwork
Students use Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre iPads to film in different locations across Field of Mars Reserve.
They apply cinematography techniques including framing, perspective, shot size, camera angle, camera movement and focus to capture purposeful footage that supports their environmental message.
Editing and post-production
Students review, select and sequence their footage to construct a clear and persuasive short film. They add titles, text, soundtracks and transitions, then refine the timing and organisation of each element to strengthen meaning and audience impact.
Theatre screening and sharing
Selected films are screened at the conclusion of the program. Parents and carers are welcome to attend the screening and celebrate student creativity and achievement.
Completed films are shared with participating schools through Google Drive.
Timetable
Time |
Activities |
| 9.15 | Arrival |
| 9.30–10.15 | Campaign analysis and pre-production |
| 10.15–10.30 | Recess |
| 10.30–12.00 | Cinematography fieldwork |
| 12.00–12.30 | Lunch |
| 12.30–2.00 | Editing and post-production |
| 2.00–2.15 | Theatre screening |
| 2.15 | Student collection and departure |
The timetable may be adjusted according to participant numbers, filming conditions, environmental conditions and the needs of participating students.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Students will learn to
- analyse how camera work, sound, text, language and editing shape meaning and audience response
- identify the audience, purpose, viewpoint and key message of a persuasive multimodal text
- plan and sequence ideas, shots and multimodal elements for a short environmental film
- apply framing, perspective, shot size, camera angle, camera movement and focus when capturing footage
- use moving images, written text, soundtracks and transitions to represent environmental ideas
- use persuasive language and multimodal features to influence an audience
- select digital tools and editing techniques suited to an intended audience and purpose
- review, edit and refine a short film to strengthen clarity, cohesion and audience impact.
The program supports the English K–10 Syllabus (2022) and Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) through persuasive multimodal text creation, visual arts making, digital technologies, composition, audience, purpose and the intentional communication of environmental ideas.
English K–10 Syllabus (2022) – Stage 2
Outcome
- EN2-HANDW-02 – Uses digital technologies to create texts
Content addressed
Creating persuasive and multimodal texts
- Describe how multimodal features enhance meaning and contribute to salience in texts
- Select and use multimodal features to add meaning
- Create texts using digital technologies
Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) – Stage 2
Visual Arts
Outcome
- CA2-VIS-01 – Makes artworks using art forms to represent subject matter and ideas, and describes ways artists convey ideas about their world to audiences through artworks
Content addressed
Making: Artists represent their world through subject matter and ideas in artworks
- Represent subject matter and ideas in artworks, making choices based on own interpretations of the world
- Explore digital tools to make or manipulate still or moving images, text and/or sounds
- Explore balance, scale and proportion in compositions to represent subject matter and ideas
English K–10 Syllabus (2022) – Stage 3
Outcome
- EN3-HANDW-02 – Selects digital technologies to suit audience and purpose to create texts
Content addressed
Creating persuasive and multimodal texts
- Analyse how audio elements in texts integrate with linguistic, visual, gestural and spatial elements to create meaning and impact
- Present multimodal arguments that include topic-specific vocabulary and persuasive techniques appropriate to the audience
- Choose multimodal features suited to a target audience and purpose to reinforce and extend ideas
- Create texts using digital technologies suited to a target audience and purpose to support and enhance the development of ideas
Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) – Stage 3
Visual Arts
Outcome
- CA3-VIS-01 – Makes artworks in intentional ways to represent ideas about their world, and explains ways artists are influenced by contexts and how artworks are interpreted by audiences
Content addressed
Making: Artists represent their world in intentional ways through their artmaking practice
- Represent ideas or perspectives of their world and intentions in own artmaking practice
- Apply understandings of materials, digital technologies and processes to represent intended ideas in artworks
- Explore artistic conventions and ways to represent subject matter and ideas in compositions
Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024)© NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024
English K–10 Syllabus (2022) © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2022
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
Essential information
Program costs, eligibility and booking
Cost
$60 per student – GST free
Program costs are processed through each student’s home school.
Program costs may change. If program costs change after you book, you will be charged at the original cost.
Eligibility
This program is available to Stage 2 and Stage 3 students enrolled in NSW Department of Education schools.
Schools should select students who demonstrate strong interest or potential in filmmaking, persuasive communication, visual storytelling, photography, digital media, editing, creative problem-solving or environmental advocacy. Selection should consider curiosity and potential, not only prior achievement.
Dates and booking
Cinematographer is offered on selected HPGE program dates. Check available dates and remaining places before selecting students.
View HPGE program dates and remaining places
Cancellations
Less than 4 weeks notice – full cost (excluding HPGE programs in Term 1, Weeks 3–5)
Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0
Student numbers, supervision and support
Student numbers
A school may nominate up to twelve students for each HPGE program day.
Places are limited and subject to the remaining program capacity.
Supervision
Classroom teachers are not required to attend but are welcome.
Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre teachers supervise students throughout the program. Schools must provide a teacher or school learning support officer when a student requires additional assistance to participate safely and successfully.
Student information
Schools must provide accurate medical, allergy, medication, emergency contact, collection and support information for every participating student.
Student details must be confirmed at least seven working school days before the program. Changes can be made using the edit-submission link provided with the booking confirmation.
Support and adjustments
Notify Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre before the program about any mobility, sensory, communication, behavioural, medical or learning support requirements. Staff can discuss reasonable adjustments and suitable participation options.
What to bring, arrival and transport
Students should bring
School sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunscreen, raincoat, hat and sturdy shoes.
Arrival and departure
Students should be dropped off by 9.15 am and collected at 2.15 pm.
A teacher, parent or responsible adult must supervise students until they have been received by Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre staff.
Transport and parking
Schools and families are responsible for transport to and from Field of Mars Reserve.
Cars must park in the main car park beside Pittwater Road. Students and accompanying adults then walk along the access road to the centre.
Risk management, weather and cancellations
Risk management
The program includes indoor media production, outdoor filming in bushland, walking near natural vegetation and creeks, working in public spaces and using iPads and audiovisual equipment.
Schools should review the Field of Mars Reserve risk management information when planning student participation and transport.
Students who are unwell should not attend.
View the Field of Mars Reserve risk management plan
View Field of Mars Reserve location and access information
Weather
The program may be modified, postponed or cancelled because of predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms.
Field activities may continue in light rain when conditions are safe. Students must bring a waterproof raincoat.
Families may be directed to the Westminster Road entrance when flooding prevents access through the main entrance.
Plan and prepare for your visit
Field of Mars Reserve social story
Help Stage 2 and 3 students understand where they will go, what they may experience and how to participate safely during their visit.
Preparing for your excursion
Help students and families prepare for the program by checking clothing, food, water, medication, transport and outdoor learning requirements.
Location
Field of Mars Reserve
Main location
Find risk management information, parking details, access information and walking track information for Field of Mars Reserve.
Teachers, parents or responsible adults will need to drop off and collect students.
Westminster Road
Alternative entrance
This entrance or exit provides alternative access during severe high tides and heavy rainfall events that cause flooding at the main Pittwater Road entrance.
Extend student learning
Use these student-friendly fact sheets before or after your Cinematographer HPGE enrichment program to support environmental storytelling, persuasive short films and nature-based visual communication.
- Field of Mars Reserve fact sheet – Explore the bushland setting students can use as context for environmental short films.
- Eucalypt forest ecosystem fact sheet – Learn about forest features, habitats, food webs and environmental connections that can support film ideas.
- Habitat fact sheet – Learn how living and non-living features create places where organisms can survive.
- Plant fact sheets – Explore native plants that can become subjects, symbols or evidence in environmental storytelling.
- Invertebrate fact sheets – Explore insects, spiders, worms, molluscs and other small animals that can provide subjects and details for close-up nature filming.
- River and creek environment fact sheet – Learn about waterways, creek banks, water flow and living things connected to local environmental stories.
Learn with us
Book this HPGE enrichment program
Book places for selected Stage 2 and Stage 3 students using the Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre HPGE programs booking form.
Learning resources
Explore lessons, digital activities, fact sheets and classroom resources that support outdoor and environmental learning before or after the HPGE program.
Related HPGE programs
Animate HPGE enrichment program
Students transform observations of nature into flip-book, 2D digital and stop-motion animations using drawing, natural materials, sound and digital editing.
Photographer HPGE enrichment program
Students capture, edit and curate nature photographs using composition techniques, digital tools and gallery-style presentation.